REVEALED: NEW POLL SHOWS SYDNEY’S INEQUALITY DIVIDE

REVEALED: NEW POLL SHOWS SYDNEY’S INEQUALITY DIVIDE

65 per cent of NSW residents said inequality had increased or flatlined in the last four years

23 per cent of Western Sydney residents said social inequality had increased a lot in the last four years

Men more likely to say social inequality has increased a lot

Those living west of Parramatta are more likely to notice social inequality sharply rising, compared to their eastern Sydney counterparts.

That’s the verdict from a new poll commissioned by NSW peak social services body, NCOSS, into attitudes to inequality in NSW.

65 per cent of respondents believe inequality has increased or remained unchanged in the last four years, while 23 per cent of Western Sydney residents and 20 per cent of regional NSW residents said inequality had “increased a lot”.

As well as this, 22 per cent of men said inequality had increased a lot in the last four years, compared to 17 per cent of women.

NCOSS CEO, Joanna Quilty, said increasing cost of living and a lack of access to vital services is contributing to growing inequality.

“The survey shows that inequality is on the rise for many people in NSW,” Ms Quilty said.

“There is a great divide across Sydney, and indeed NSW, between those with access to vital services and those going without.

“Sydney is a wealthy city in a wealthy state, yet so many are struggling to put food on the table and keep a roof over their head. There’s no excuse for that.